Thüringen Rundfarht 2007

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Judith Arndt (T-Mobile) won the 20^th International Thüringen-Rundfahrt der Frauen 2007 ahead of Amber Neben (Team Flexpoint). The two finished the stage in the same time behind Karin Thürig (Raleigh Lifeforce Creation) and the stage winner Susanne Ljungskog (Team Flexpoint). 

Over 1.000 spectators lined the roads in the rain at the mountain climb of Doertendorfer to watch the closest finish in the races history. At the start of the final stage the gap between Arndt and Neben was only 2 seconds, with the American holding the advantage. 

The 109 kilometres of the final stage was a large loop around Zeulenroda including the 14 per cent steep Doertendorfer mountain which was climbed three times. The points over the sprints were divided between the leading contenders. At the bunch started the final 5km Arndt and Neben were level. There was a little confusion as to where each rider would need to place to secure the victory before it was confirmed that if they finished level and out of the final sprint placing, Arndt would win due to her individual time trial time. Initially the presenters announced that Neben had won the tour before correcting the announcement and awarding the win to Arndt.

The stage was won by Swedish ex-world champion Susanne Ljungskog (Team Flexpoint) who managed to get herself into a break with Karin Thürig (Raleigh Lifeforce Creation). Ljungskog attacked in the final few kilometres and secured a 16 second advantage at the finish ahead of Swiss time trial World Champion Thürig. The bunch including Arndt and Neben sprinted to the line but it was Angela Brodtka (Team Getränke Hoffmann) who took the third place. Arndt finished 8^th and Neben 12^th in the sprint.

Susanne Ljungskog said afterwards “The course was good preparation for the world championships in Stuttgart, you can tell how tough today was only 45 riders managed to finish in Zeulenroda in cool rainy weather".

Emma Pooley (Great Britain/Team Specialized) was awarded the Amy Gillett award for outstanding performance during the week. The award was presented by Undersecretary of State Professor Christian Juckenack, Minister for Economics and Sport. Pooley finished 5^th overall and secured the Mountain competitions jersey.

The highest ranked team was Team Flexpoint ahead of T-Mobile.

Fei Wang (Giant Pro Cycling) won the Young riders jersey and the sprinters jersey was secured by Arndt.

A chance accident on Sunday during the final stage of the Thüringen Rundfarht has ended the road racing season prematurely for photographer, CJ Farquharson.

Farquharson, who photographs mainly women’s professional road race events, was riding pillion on a motorcycle at the German event on Sunday. “We were just slowing to stop at a point on a hill for some photos when we were hit from behind by another race motorbike,” explained Farquharson.

The freak accident on rolling closed roads resulted in a broken ankle for Farquharson’s ‘pilot’ and minor injuries to the other rider. In fact, she came off worst, with an open compound fracture to both bones in her lower left leg. She was airlifted to hospital and underwent surgery to stabilise the leg with eternal fixtures. These will be replaced in a week or so, via further surgery, with internal pins which will remain in place for an unspecified time.

“I could be in hospital here in Germany for up to four weeks. It depends on how quickly things settle and when the plates are inserted. The medical staff have been excellent and they have huge experience in this type of injury. I have even done some work with the physiotherapist today [Monday],” Farquharson commented.  “I guess my season is over and that’s a huge disappointment; I love my job. I’ll be working hard to get back on start and finish lines as soon as possible”, she added.

As news of the accident spread around the race hotel after the stage, riders, team managers and officials contacted Farquharson via sms and email to extend their best wishes for her recovery. Some riders even visited today [Monday] for a short while on their way from the race. “I would like to thank everyone for their kind thoughts and wishes, it means a great deal to me”, said Farquharson.